MTN Ghana suffers technical hitch on day of enhanced data bundle rollout

MTN Ghana has announced a major technical issue that has disrupted its data bundle services, just as new, more generous data offers were set to take effect from today, July 1, 2025.

The company confirmed the glitch in a public notice issued to customers, stating that it had affected data bundle purchases and the application of the 15 per cent bonus data announced earlier.

“Whilst implementing the data offer, which will provide 15% additional volume of data from today July 1, 2025, MTN experienced a major technical issue which has affected data bundle purchases, including the data volume offer,” the telecom giant stated. “As a result, customers are temporarily unable to purchase data bundles.”

MTN apologised to its customers for the inconvenience and gave assurances that its technical teams were working urgently to resolve the problem. “We recognise the importance of staying connected and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause,” the statement added. “Further updates will be provided.”

The disruption comes on the same day that all three major mobile network operators—MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana—were expected to begin offering significantly improved data bundles at no additional cost to consumers, following new directives from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.

Under the new regime, MTN, designated as a Significant Market Power (SMP), was to restore its GH¢399 bundle to offer 214 gigabytes of data, up from the previously downgraded GH¢350 bundle offering of 92.88 gigabytes. In addition, all of MTN’s existing data packages were to receive a 15 per cent increase in value.

AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana also rolled out their own upgrades. AirtelTigo users are now entitled to 236 gigabytes for GH¢400—up from 195 GB—while Telecel’s GH¢400 package jumped from 90 gigabytes to 250 gigabytes. Both operators implemented a 10 per cent increase across their bundles.

Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George, who unveiled the policy last month, said the changes were the result of extensive consultations aimed at delivering better value to consumers while maintaining sector sustainability. “The increases are going to come at considerable costs to the network operators. However, I am glad that our engagements and consultations are bearing fruit for the Ghanaian people,” he stated during a press briefing on June 10.

Mr George also directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to ensure full compliance with the new bundle directives and to apply sanctions where necessary. The NCA will also conduct quarterly billing integrity tests beginning in Q3 2025 to ensure accuracy in data crediting and rollover processes.

Despite today’s setback for MTN, the broader reform is expected to deliver long-term improvements in data affordability and service delivery. Mr George also disclosed ongoing engagements with the Ministries of Finance and Energy to address sector taxes and utility tariffs that currently contribute to high data costs.

As Ghanaians anticipate a resolution to MTN’s technical difficulties, customers of Telecel and AT Ghana are expected to continue enjoying the upgraded data packages without disruption.